Resources

Assistance Resource Guide

Practical Tips for Your Search:

1. Always Call Ahead: Verify eligibility, hours, and current inventory before visiting any local office or loan closet.
2. Have Information Ready: When calling, be prepared with details like diagnosis, income, insurance status, and the specific item needed.
3. Start with Your Local County: A quick web search Your County North Dakota Social Services” or Your City Senior Center will yield direct local numbers often not listed on national sites.
4. For Urgent, Basic Needs: Contact local churches, St. Vincent de Paul (check for local chapters), or the Salvation Army (e.g., Fargo: 701-232-5565). They may offer emergency assistance or vouchers.

National & Disease-Specific Organizations

1. HealthWell Foundation

• Phone: 1-800-675-8416
• Website: https://www.healthwellfoundation.org/
• Notes: Provides copay and premium assistance, including for some diabetic supplies and medications. Must have a diagnosis and meet financial criteria.

2. Patient Advocate Foundation

• Phone: 1-800-532-5274
• Website: https://www.patientadvocate.org/
• Notes: Offers co-pay relief and connects patients to resources for supplies.

3. American Cancer Society

• Phone: 1-800-227-2345
• Website: https://www.cancer.org/
• Notes: Ask about their “TLC” (Tender Loving Care) catalog for free wigs, mastectomy products, and comfort items.

4. ALS Association – Minnesota/North Dakota/South Dakota Chapter

• Phone: 1-612-672-0484
• Website: https://www.als.org/mndsd
• Notes: Major resource for loaner durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, hospital beds, etc.) for diagnosed patients.

5. National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Upper Midwest Chapter

• Phone: 1-612-335-7900
• Website: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/MNM
• Notes: Provides resources, connections, and some assistance for mobility and daily living aids.

6. Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

• Phone: 1-833-ASK-MDA1 (1-833-275-6321)
• Website: https://www.mda.org/
• Notes: Offers equipment loan programs for qualifying individuals.

North Dakota State & Local Resources

7. North Dakota Aging and Disability Resource-Link (ADRL)

• Phone: 1-855-462-5465 (This is the most important statewide number for seniors and adults with disabilities)
• Website: https://www.nd.gov/ndadrl/
• Notes: The central hub for information on home and community-based services, including equipment loan programs and local Area Agencies on Aging.

8. North Dakota Department of Human Services (Medical Assistance – Medicaid)

• Phone: 1-844-854-4825 (Application & general inquiries)
• Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/medicalserv/medicaid/
• Notes: The primary source of coverage for medical supplies and DME for qualifying low-income residents. Apply online or by phone.

9. North Dakota Lions Sight & Health Foundation

• Phone: 1-701-223-2021
• Website: https://www.ndlionsfoundation.org/
• Notes: Provides financial assistance for eye exams, glasses, and hearing aids to North Dakota residents in need.

10. Sanford Health – Patient Financial Services & Social Work

• Phone: Varies by location. Start with the Sanford Health facility nearest you.
• Website: https://www.sanfordhealth.org/
• Notes: Contact the Rehabilitation Department or ask to speak with a Hospital Social Worker/Case Manager at your local clinic. They can connect you to community loan closets and assistance programs.

11. Essentia Health – Care Coordination & Social Services

• Phone: Varies by location. Start with the Essentia facility nearest you.
• Website: https://www.essentiahealth.org/
• Notes: Similar to Sanford. Ask for Social Services or Care Coordination to get guidance on local resources for medical equipment.

12. North Dakota Board of Pharmacy Drug Repository Program

• Phone: 701-877-2404
• Website: https://www.nodakpharmacy.com/PDRP-index.asp
• Notes: Through the Prescription Drug Donation Program, unused medicines are collected and shared with pharmacies and doctors so they can reach individuals who need them most.

13. North Dakota Medication/Pharmaceutical Waste

• Phone: 701-328-5160
• Website: https://deq.nd.gov/WM/MedicationPharmaceuticalWaste/
• Notes: Don’t flush unused prescriptions. Return them through the Prescription Drug Repository Program at local pharmacies or clinics. Medications must be in original, unopened packaging (single-unit doses may be accepted if sealed). A small fee may apply; check with your pharmacist or the ND Board of Pharmacy website for details.

Online Databases & Exchanges

14. NeedyMeds

• Phone: N/A (Online database)
• Website: https://www.needymeds.org/
• Notes: Use their search tools to find programs by diagnosis or location. Search for “Medical Supplies” and filter by “North Dakota.”

15. The Buy Nothing Project

• Phone: N/A
• Website: https://buynothingproject.org/find-a-group/
• Notes: Use the map to find your local Facebook-based Buy Nothing group. People frequently give away medical items like walkers, crutches, and shower chairs.

For Veterans

16. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – Fargo VA Health Care System

• Phone: 1-800-410-9723 (Main)
• Website: https://www.va.gov/fargo-health-care/
• Notes: Enrolled veterans can receive medically necessary supplies and equipment through their VA provider.

Provider Services

17. ActivStyle – Your Medical Supply Advocate

New Client order or New Product Orders If you are referring a client for the first time, or adding a new product to an existing account:

• Phone: 855-373-5141
• Fax: 888-614-4635
• Email: NewOrderCM@ActivStyle.com
• Website: http://www.ActivStyle.com/NewOrderCM

Current ActivStyle Clients To check order status, or to authorize next shipment:

• Phone: 800-651-6223 ext. 100
• Email: CustomerService@ActivStyle.com